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The naked lunch
By Zoë Williams
williamsz@mscd.edu

Six months ago I wrote about campus food, which – despite changes in menus and a new restaurant – is still terrible. Since then, I have been on a trek trying to find a decent meal between classes. In the spirit of experimentation, I even dabbled with Subway and Einstein’s. All I wanted was a meal that was affordable, edible and within my vegan dietary restrictions. To say the least, I found more stomachaches than fulfilling options.

To get an understanding of what dismal food means for college students, I spoke with Kelly Kiernan, a dietician and visiting professor with the Department of Health Profession’s nutrition program.

“Most of what students are eating is probably extremely high in saturated fat and calories,” Kiernan said. “It’s junk. There are so few choices that are decent around here.”

Obesity, diabetes and heart disease are among the drastic health conditions resulting from diets high in fat, calories and sugar. However, immediate effects can alter classroom performance.

“When you consume a lot of sugar … it can cause your mood to change,” Kiernan explained. “High-fat meals make you feel sleepy. They are going to make you slow down.”

Kiernan advises students to take care of themselves in terms of food. “Until there are better food options, pack a lunch,” she said. She recommends packing snacks such as string cheese, bananas, apples, nuts, celery and carrot sticks.

It is absurd that an institution of higher learning cannot provide a reasonably nutritious and halfway palatable meal for its students. After all, the busy schedule of folks on a commuter campus makes affordable and decent food mandatory for success.

Student representatives know this, but they are not placing the greatest student complaint on the top of their agenda. While I encourage you to follow Kiernan’s advice in the immediate future, I have my own suggestion.

The Student Advisory Committee to the Auraria Board plans what businesses will be present on this campus. Metro students have a SACAB representative – Nicole Barringer. Her e-mail is nbarring@mscd.edu. If you agree with this column, let her know. When you spend too much on something that only resembles a healthy lunch or get frustrated in the pursuit of one, drop her a line. Follow up until you get a response. It is her job.

Let’s make sure this is crystal clear to SACAB. Don’t settle for the trash on campus – start e-mailing.